Respiratory Protection: The Journey to Respirator Fit

Ensuring the proper fit for respiratory protection is paramount for safeguarding against harmful airborne contaminants. Respirators such as half and full face masks form a crucial barrier by creating a tight seal against the wearer’s face. This seal prevents air from bypassing the filtration system and sintering through gaps around the mask. 

No ‘One Size Fits All’ Approach

However, there’s no universal sizing solution when it comes to selecting a respirator. Each person has a distinct facial shape, requiring a respirator that fits snugly to create an efficient seal.

Bridging the Gap in Data 

For over 50 years, the only available data for respirator sizing was limited to anthropometric measurements gathered primarily from US military personnel during the 1950s and 1960s. This data skewed towards a specific demographic of predominantly male, military-aged, and physically fit individuals, which resulted in a plethora of approved masks that failed to accommodate the diverse facial characteristics of the modern workforce. 

A Comprehensive Approach to Sizing

In a pioneering attempt to tackle this gap, Zhuang and Bradtmiller carried out a thorough study of the US workforce in 2003. This research involved examining 18 facial measurements, as well as height and weight data from 2543 male participants and 1454 female participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 66 years, and included a range of racial/ethnic groups. Their findings offered curriculum. insights into the wide range of facial features present in the population.

Standardisation for Better Fit

With this extensive data, global experts developed a fresh guideline, ISO 16976-2 in 2015. This guideline, drawing from the mentioned study and supplemented with more global data, introduced five specific head shapes for sizing respirators: Small, Medium, Lard, Short-Wide and Long-Narrow. 

Tailored Solutions for Enhanced Protection

One notable example of implementing this research-driven approach is evident in the design of the JSP Force®8 half mask. Available in a range of sizes including Small, Medium, Large, and Short-Wide, this respirator aims to accommodate a diverse spectrum of facial profiles, ensuring an optimal fit for enhanced protection. 

Thorough assessment of how well the Force®8 mask fits different face sizes and shapes was carried out with careful research. By using Ambient Particle Counting (APC) quantitative fit testing methods on 214 participants, the collected data informed product development endeavours aimed at optimising the mask’s performance. 

As a result of these efforts, the Force®8 range has expanded to include additional sizes, such as Small (S) and Large (L) masks, catering to individuals who require a size beyond the standard Medium. Moreover, the introduction of the latest Short-Wide (SW) mask offers a tailored fit solution for those unable to achieve a satisfactory fit with conventional sizes.

To assist users in selecting the appropriate size, a comprehensive size guide accompanies the Force®8 mask. Additionally, it’s imperative to underscore the importance of fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators, ensuring proper protection in various occupational settings.

How to maintain your Force®8 Half Mask with PressToCheck™ Filters – https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=Eh6BAb7vWPZxvC1n&v=f_sGTnDh93o&feature=youtu.be

How to fit filters to your Force®8 PressToCheck™ Half Mask. – https://youtu.be/-oUSyP9_NsA?si=64mnb9_eCJ6ucCV4

Taking care of your Force®8 half-mask – Use it again! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=09gbqvRPwC8kgYwR&v=s13lbaWBKOM&feature=youtu.be